A Sandbach primary school is poised to start work on building a state-of-the-art sensory garden - thanks to a pay-out from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

Elworth Hall School Association (EHSA) received £5,163.12 from the Co-op Local Community Fund.

The school on Lawton Way is spending the money building a sensory garden, complete with musical instruments and special plants.

And EHSA has released details of the exciting project, with work preparing the land beginning at May half-term.

They will be working with Care4CE, a team of experienced mental health support workers who work across Cheshire East in partnership with other community-based organisations.

EHSA has praised both Care4CE for joining forces on the project and the Friends of Wheelock Playing Fields, who have been advising them.

"We're grateful for the help from Care4CE and Friends of Wheelock Playing Fields and pleased we can help support the mental health of others in building and developing the sensory garden together," said Hannah Parry, chair of EHSA.

She added: "Our vision to create a sensory garden started when we were emerging from the pandemic.

"After so long away from others and after spending more time indoors, we applied to the Co-op Community Fund to help us with a project which could reconnect us with the outdoors, with others and help improve mental health.

"We felt a sensory garden catered for many differing needs and so we set about applying for the funding.

"We were grateful to be chosen as a cause for the scheme and spent a year as part of the process.

"We wanted to create a therapeutic space where pupils and staff could reconnect with nature and find interest in their surroundings.

"By creating a rich environment, we want to appeal to the seven senses through things such as planting, landscaping, textures, shape, colour etc.

"We also plan to include some sound making resources, which our head, Mrs Clark is particularly excited about."

Sandbach Nub News told in November https://sandbach.nub.news/community/local-initiatives/everything-in-the-garden-is-rosy-after-a-sandbach-school-gets-cash-to-build-a-sensory-garden-158383?fbclid=IwAR1riJ2f7AfZMC0abFWl-8kMo7otdz-MpTOsdTHgR3ONloSNA3dDlbeikQs how the Co-op had presented the EHSA with the money.

Hannah says the garden will be 'all things to all people', offering different things to different children.

"Whilst some may find it a peaceful, calming experience, others might benefit from an area full of exciting things to touch and smell," she said.

Head (far let) with EHSA treasurer, EHSA treasurer and children from the school. (Photo: Sandbach Nub News)

"Others might receive visual feedback through different colours, lighting, shadows and movement for example. Senses are complex but we're keen to include as much interest as we can, to help support pupils with additional needs too."

The area which is being developed used to be a play area, which is no longer used. The old equipment has been removed and the PTA has helped purchase new equipment, meaning the space is now free to work on.

"We hope to flatten the area and connect it to the existing paths present, so pupils can stroll through when out at break times and lunch.

"Seating and planting areas will be combined, to create interest and feedback close to where people will sit. We hope to include the pupils with the work plan to set up a gardening club to help maintain the planting and keep on top of it."

For every £1 Co-op members spend on selected Co-op products and services, 2p goes back to members and Co-op gives the same to support community organisations and local causes. You can find out more and become a Co-op Member here.